Irrigating devices having a pressure actuated pop-up sprinkler head

ABSTRACT

An irrigating device having a housing which can be set in the ground. A sprinkler head is mounted on a rotatable and axially slidable tube in the housing. A ring is fixed on the tube in the housing whereby the tube is lowered to seal a passage in the housing and close off the supply of water to the sprinkler head when water pressure is applied via a valve to the top of the ring. When water pressure on the ring is removed, the pressure will raise the tube so that the sprinkler head discharges water therefrom.

United States Patent Felix 1 Jan. 25, 1972 [541 IRRIGATING DEVICES AVING A 3,033,467 5/1962 Hofer ..239 204 3,263,929 8/1966 Seablom... 3,331,292 7/1967 Seablom ..239/203 X [72] Inventor: Webster Felix, Central lslip, NY. Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Assistant Examiner-Michael Y. Mar [73] Assignee: Telsco Industries, Garland, Tex. Aumey Edward Loveman [22] Filed: May 3, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 139,396

An irrigating device having a housing which can be set in the Related US. Application Data ground. A sprinkler head is mounted on a rotatable and axially [63] C nfnuation art of Ser No 881 737 Dec 3 slidable tube in the housing. A ring is fixed on the tube in the abando'rlledp housing whereby the tube is lowered to seal a passage in the housing and close off the supply of water to the sprinkler head when water pressure is applied via a valve to the top of the U.S. Cl ..239/206 ring. when water pressure on the i i removed, the pressure will raise the tube so that the sprinkler head discharges water [58] Field of Search ..239/203, 204, 206 therefrom.

[56] References Cited Claims, 4 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,484,888 2/1924 Johnson ..239/204 I a I I l i s ak 32 103 I 52 I I i I 4a a ll 29 Ma 8 i 10/ I J I 26 m I I2 7 I00 7 g 1 60 40 74 1 76 g; 66 a3 4 65 47 l I 22 I 79 45 24 I 44 20 82 m| 42 I4 I I5 r a4 Q a M r PATENIEU M25 1972 MEN 2 N m INVENTOR. 14/585725? FL IX A T TOENE Y IRRIGATING DEVICES HAVING A PRESSURE ACTUATED POP-UP SPRINKLER HEAD This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 88l,737, filed Dec. 3, I969 now abandoned, entitled IRRIGATING DEVICE HAVING A PRES- SURE ACTUATED POPUP SPRINKLER HEAD.

This invention relates to popup-type lawn sprinkler heads and more particularly concerns lawn sprinkler heads which automatically rise and retract by applied water pressure.

Many sprinkler heads are known for irrigation systems in which the heads pop up above ground when water pressure is applied at their inlets. In rotary types, various mechanisms are employed to cause the heads to rotate. When water pressure is cut off the heads retract due to their own weight alone. This arrangement has not proven satisfactory because the retracting heads often fail to retract due to worn parts, friction, or obstruction by debris. Sometimes the heads are raised accidentally during mowing operations, or are lifted up purposely by mischievous children. In any case, the elevated sprinkler heads create a very hazardous condition, particularly when they are concealed in the grass on a lawn. If an elevated head is struck by a lawnmower, considerable damage can be done to the mower and to the sprinkler head. On lawns of schools, golf courses, estates, playing fields and the like, persons walking on the grass can trip over an elevated sprinkler head which is hidden in the grass. It has been proposed heretofore to provide retraction springs for lowering an elevated sprinkler head when the water pressure is relieved. However, these too, frequently fail in operation, leaving the sprinkler head elevated instead of lowering it properly.

The present invention is directed at overcoming the above and other difficulties and disadvantages of prior popup sprinkler heads by providing means for applying water pressure to lower the raised sprinkler head and to cut off the regular water supply which elevates and may rotate the head. The device embodying the invention is so arranged that accidental or purposeful raising of the head at a time when it should be retracted feeds water to the sprinkler so that the elevation of the head is at once detectable.

According to the invention a lateral inlet to the sprinkler head is provided for applying water pressure to lower the elevated head and to cut off the water supply. The water supply is remotely controlled by a solenoid operated valve. Thus a multiplicity of sprinkler heads can be arranged in an irrigation or sprinkler system over a large lawn and will all be simultaneously turned on and elevated or lowered and turned off.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel and unique fluid flow control for a popup sprinkler. Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, positive control which insures that the popup sprinkler head will be in its retracted position when the water pressure is removed therefrom.

These and other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view partially in section of an irrigating device embodying the invention, the sprinkler head being shown in a lowered position.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1 showing the sprinkler head in an elevated position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. I of another irrigating device, with sprinkler head shown in lowered position.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 3, showing the sprinkler head in an elevated position.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof, there is shown in FIG. 1 an irrigating device which is comprised of a vertical housing 12. This housing has a fitting 14 at its bottom end screwed into a coupling 16 located at the upper end of a vertical water supply pipe 18. Just above fitting 14 which has a narrow passage 15, is an'outwardly flared pipe section 20 followed by a cylindrical section 22 defining a compartment 24. Above section 22 is an internally threaded cylindrical section 26 in which is threadeda stationary, externally threaded cylindrical block 28 having abore 85. An outwardly flared housing section 30 extends above section 26 and terminates in a cylindrical section 32 which is open at the top. The device is normally installed so that the upper edge 33 of the cylindrical section 32 is flush with or slightly below the ground level 34. Block 28 has a polygonal upper part 29 which can be engaged by a wrench for threading the block 28 in the section 26.

Located inside the housing 12 is an axially movable and rotatable tube 40. This tube has a close bottom end wall 42 and a resilient O-ring 44 set in a groove 46 close to the end wall 42 which serves to seal the adjacent flared section 20 of the housing 12. Just above the sealing ring 44 is a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots or openings 45 through which water can enter the tube 40 from the compartment 24. An annular radial flange 47 extends above the openings 45 in the tube 40 with the tube extending upwardly and terminating above the block 28 in an open externally threaded end 48 onto which is screwed an internally threaded base 49 of a sprinkler head 50. The head 50 may be one of a well known type having a nozzle 52 which discharges a water spray 54 (FIG. 2) and which causes the head to rotate by impingement of the water stream on a radial arm 55.

Tube 40 is rotatably supported in the block 28 and in a ring 60 rigidly surrounding the tube above the flange 47 in the compartment 24. The ring 60 has an external resilient sealing ring 62 set in an external circumferential groove 63 of the ring 60 to provide a seal between the ring and the smooth inside wall of the housing section 22. Another resilient O-ring 64 is set in an internal groove 66.0f the ring 60 and surrounds the tube 40 to provide a seal therebetweeri. Sealing rings 62 and 64 prevent passage of water from the lower portion of the compartment 24 to the upper portion of the compartment above the ring 60 and vice versa. The ring 60 is axially slidable in the housing section 22 and permits rotation of the tube 40 inside of the sealing ring 64.

A pipe 70 which extends through a hole 71 in the housing 12 is secured in the outer side of the block 28 and communicates with the upper portion of the compartment 24 via a passage 72 formed in the block 28. The pipe 70 is connected to a cylindrical body 74 of a solenoid controlled valve 75. The valve has a rotary valve core 76 provided with an L-shaped passage 77. Also connected to the valve body 74 and spaced 90 from the pipe 70 is a pipe 79. A water inlet pipe is connected to the pipe 79 via a coupling 82. Pipe 80 is connected via a fitting 84 to the water supply pipe 18.

Within the bore 85 of the block 281 is an internal circumferential groove 86 into which is set a sealing ring 88. The ring frictionally engages the tube 40 and permits axial movement of and rotation of the tube while preventing passage of water beyond the compartment 24 to the upper parts of the housing. A plurality of holes 90 are circumferentially spaced around the upper end of cylindrical section 26 to drain out water which may accumulate in the sections 30 and 32.

FIG. 1 shows the assembly of sprinkler head 50 and tube 40 in their lowermost position where the supply of water from pipe 18 to compartment 24 is cutoff by virtue of the bottom end wall 42 of tube 40 and the sealing ring 44. Water is admitted to the upper part of the compartment 24 via the pipes 80 and 79, the passage 77 in the valve core 76, the pipe 70, and the passage 72 in the block 28. In this configuration, the water pressure is applied, as indicated by arrow on top of the ring 60, which engages the flange 47 and forces the tube 40 downwardly. This pressure plus the weight of the tube 40 and the sprinkler head 50 overcomes the pressure of water applied upwardly at the bottom of tube 40. It will be noted that the annular area of the top surface 61 of the ring 60 is larger than the area of end wall 42 of the tube. Also the cross-sectional area of passage 15 is much smaller than the cross-sectional area of the passage 72 in the block 28. the passage 77 in the valve core 76, and passages 81, 83, 85 in the respective pipes 70, 79, 80. Thus the water pressure acting against the end wall 42 and the bottom surface 65 of the ring 60 is much less then the pressure of the water acting on the surface 61. Therefore, more force is applied downwardly than upwardly and the tube 40 is moved downwardly to cut off the water supply to the bottom end of compartment 24.

FIG. 2 shows valve core 76 turned 90 from its position in FIG. 1. Passage 77 now connects pipe 70 to a drain port 101 to which a drain pipe 103 is connected so that water pressure in the upper part of compartment 24 on the ring 60 is relieved. Now the water pressure applied below the tube 40 elevates the tube and ring 60 until the surface 61 or the ring 60 is stopped by the block 28. Water enters the bottom of compartment 24 and passes through openings 45 into the tube 40. The water passes up the tube and is discharged as a spray 54 from nozzle 52. At the same time the water impinging on arm 55 causes the sprinkler head 50 and tube 40 to rotate.

If, under control of a remotely located switch and power supply (not shown), the valve core 76 is turned to the position shown in FIG. 1, water will enter the passage 72 in the block 28 and will force ring 60, tube 40, and sprinkler head 50 down to the position shown in FIG. 1, where the water supply will be cut off from the bottom of compartment 24, as previously described.

While the sprinkler head is elevated, as shown in FIG. 2, it

extends above housing 12 and ground level 34. When the head is retracted, all its parts are located below ground level. If someone should accidentally or purposely pull up head 50 from the position shown in FIG. 1, water will at once be discharged from the sprinkler head to provide a visible indication that the head has been improperly displaced. If the head is then manually released, the head will immediately descend to the lowered position of FIG. I due to the water pressure applied via open valve 75. If for any reason the head 50 should be prevented from descending when the valve is set to the open position of FIG. I, water will continue to be discharged from the sprinkler head 50. This will signal the malfunctioning of the device and corrective action can be taken. By the arrangement described, the device is fail-safe. Malfunctioning, improper operation, vandalism or abuse are signaled by discharge of water from head 50. Thus, head 50 cannot be elevated when it should be lowered, without immediate discharge of water from the device.

Since the device is remotely controlled, a large number of similar devices can be interconnected in a system irrigating a large lawn, golf course or field.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 there is illustrated another irrigating device generally designated by reference numeral 10A. Parts corresponding to those of device 10 are identically numbered. In device 10A a housing 12a has a lower tubular section 22a threaded on a coupling 99 which is secured in turn on a water supply pipe 180. Just above a closed bottom end 42a of a tube 400 are a plurality of openings 45a. Secured to the bottom end 420 of the tube 40a is a cylindrical plunger 102 which extends axially into a cylindrical axial bore 104 in the coupling 99. A narrow annular passage 106 is defined between the plunger I02 and the adjacent surrounding wall of the bore 104. A bolt 107 secures the plunger 102 to the tube 40a in axial alignment therewith. The diameter of the plunger 102 is smaller than that of tube 40a such that a circular sealing ring or gasket 108 inserted between the upper end of the plunger 102 and the bottom tube end 420 seats on a flat annular seat 110 at the top of the coupling 99 to seal the passage 106 and thus prevent water from entering a plurality of openings 45a via a compartment 2411 when the sprinkler head is lowered as clearly shown in FIG. 3.

The sprinkler head is lowered by pressure of water applied on an annular ring 60a integral with and surrounding the tube 40a below the block 28 and above a ring 116. The ring 116 is secured inside of the housing section 22a and is provided with an internal sealing ring 118 disposed in a groove I20 and slidably engaging the outside of the tube 400. A sealing ring 62a is engaged in an outer groove 63a of the ring 60a and slidably engages the inside wall of the housing section 22a. It should be noted that the ring 60a is spaced above the ring 116 when the tube 400 is in its lowest position (sealing ring 108 seated against seat 110), for a reason to be more fully described below.

An air tube 122 is connected to the side of the housing 22a just above the ring 116 and below the annular ring 60a. This tube which has a narrow bore 126 extends upwardly and terminates in an adjustment valve 124 having an adjustable knob 125 for regulating the passage of air into and out of the chamber 24b defined between the rings 60a and 116. The valve 124 acts as a speed control for the air in the space between the bottom of the annual ring 60a and the top of the ring 116 and thus prevents excessively rapid raising and lowering of the sprinkler head, and slamming up and down of the sprinkler head. It also acts to prevent water hammer when the sprinkler is closed.

The sprinkler is closed when the bottom of the tube 40a seats on the seat I10 at the top of the coupling 99. The narrow passage I06 prevents premature filling of the housing section 30 when the tube 40a lifts off the seat 110. The tube lifts off when the valve core 76 is turned to the position shown in FIG. 4 to close off the pipe 70 from the water supply pipe 18a. It should be noted here that the cross-sectional area of the ring 60a extending beyond the diameter of the tube 40a is larger than the area of the tube 40a and thus it is not necessary in this embodiment to have a lower pressure in the lower part of the compartment 24a then in the upper part of the compartment 2412 as in the previous embodiment.

Operation of device 10A is similar to that described in connection with the device 10, with the advantages mentioned above of eliminating water hammer slamming of the sprinkler head up and down, and inhibiting the rapid filling of the housing section 30 with water as the sprinkler head starts to rise. Both devices 10 and 10A have the advantage that the sprinkler head 50 has to rise only a very short distance before water is discharged from the sprinkler head. Both devices described are rugged in construction and will provide long trouble-free service.

It should be understood that the foregoing disclosure relates to only preferred embodiments of the invention and that it is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the examples of the invention herein chosen for the purposes of the disclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:

I. An irrigation device comprising:

a housing having a cylindrical section defining a compartment, said housing having a bore at the bottom end which is attachable to a water supply pipe in the ground and having an open upper end disposable at ground level,

a block set in said housing above said cylindrical section,

said block having an axial bore;

a tube axially slidable in said bore of said block and through said compartment, said tube having a closed bottom end,

a sealing means on said tube of said housing to close said bottom end bore of said housing thereby cutting off said water supply to said housing,

said tube further having at least one opening adjacent said bottom end to admit water from said compartment;

a sprinkler head mounted on the top end of said tube above said block,

a rigid annular member mounted on said tube in said compartment above said opening having an outside diameter larger than said tube, and

communicating means for passing water to and from said compartment above said member, whereby application of a water pressure through said communicating means to the top of said member causes said tube to move downwardly until said seat means to said tube cuts off said water supply to said bottom end of said housing and whereby relief of said water pressure from the top of said ring through said communicating means allows said water pressure to raise said tube and permit water to enter said compartment from said open bottom end bore of said housing and flow through said opening into said tube and through said sprinkler head.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a valve means connected between said communicating means and said water supply pipe for selectively applying said water pressure to the top of said compartment and for removing said water pressure.

3. A device as defined in claim ll wherein said communicating means includes a pipe means and a passage in said block, said passage having one end communicating with the portion of said compartment above said member and the other end connected to said pipe means whereby water pressure may be applied through said pipe means to said portion of said compartment above said member.

4. A device as defined in claim 3, further comprising coupling means for coupling said bottom of said housing to said water supply pipe, said coupling means having a narrow passage therein, said pipe means having another passage larger in diameter than said passage in said coupling, said member having a cross-sectional area external of said tube which area is larger than the cross-sectional area of said closed bottom end of said tube, so that a greater force is applied to the top of said member by water pressure applied thereto than the force applied to the bottom end of said tube via said water supply pipe.

5. A device as defined in claim 4 further comprising valve means connected between said pipe means and said water supply pipe for selectively applying water pressure to the top of said compartment and for removing said water pressure.

6. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising coupling means for coupling the bottom of said housing to said water supply pipe, said coupling means having a narrow passage therein, said communicating means having another passage larger in diameter than the passage in said coupling, so that a greater force is applied to the top of said member by water pressure applied thereto than the force applied to the bottom end of the tube via said water supply pipe.

7. A device as defined in claim I, further comprising coupling means for coupling the bottom of said housing to said water supply pipe, said coupling means having an axial bore;

extension means at the bottom end of said tube extending into said bore t0 define a narrow passage therewith; said communicating means including a pipe means having another passage larger in cross-sectional area than that of said narrow passage, so that a greater force is applied to the top of said member by water pressure applied thereto than the force applied to said bottom end of said tube via said water supply pipe.

8. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a second annular member,

said second annular member slidably engaging said tube and secured at its outer diameter to said cylindrical section of said housing thereby defining a compartment section with said first named member, said tube and said cylindrical section; and

an air conduit means connected to said housing and opening into said compartment section for relieving air pressure therein, to prevent water hammer and slamming of said sprinkler head when it is raised and lowered.

9. A device as defined in claim 8 further comprising a valve on said air conduit means for adjusting the rate of airflow therein and thereby control the speed of raising and lowering of said sprinkler head.

10. A device as defined in claim 9, further comprising coupling means for coupling the bottom of said housing to said water supply pipe, said coupling means having an axial bore;

extension means at the bottom end of said tube extending into said bor e to define a narrow passage therewith; said communicating means includmg a pipe means having another passage larger in cross-sectional area than that of said narrow passage, so that a greater force is applied to the top of said member by water pressure applied thereto than the force applied to said bottom end of said tube via said water supply pipe. 

1. An irrigation device comprising: a housing having a cylindrical section defining a compartment, said housing having a bore at the bottom end which is attachable to a water supply pipe in the ground and having an open upper end disposable at ground level, a block set in said housing above said cylindrical section, said block having an axial bore; a tube axially slidable in said bore of said block and through said compartment, said tube having a closed bottom end, a sealing means on said tube of said housing to close said bottom end bore of said housing thereby cutting off said water supply to said housing, said tube further having at least one opening adjacent said bottom end to admit water from said compartment; a sprinkler head mounted on the top end of said tube above said block, a rigid annular member mounted on said tube in said compartment above said opening having an outside diameter larger than said tube, and communicating means for passing water to and from said compartment above said member, whereby application of a water pressure through said communicating means to the top of said member causes said tube to move downwardly until said seat means to said tube cuts off said water supply to said bottom end of said housing and whereby relief of said water pressure from the top of said ring through said communicating means allows said water pressure to raise said tube and permit water to enter said compartment from said open bottom end bore of said housing and flow through said opening into said tube and through said sprinkler head.
 2. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a valve means connected between said communicating means and said water supply pipe for selectively applying said water pressure to the top of said compartment and for removing said water pressure.
 3. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said communicating means includes a pipe means and a passage in said block, said passage having one end communicating with the portion of said compartment above said member and the other end connected to said pipe means whereby water pressure may be applied through said pipe means to said portion of said compartment above said member.
 4. A device as defined in claim 3, further comprising coupling means for coupling said bottom of said housing to said water supply pipe, said coupling means having a narrow passage therein, said pipe means having another passage larger in diameter than said passage in said coupling, said member having a cross-sectional area external of said tube which area is larger than the cross-sectional area of said closed bottom end of said tube, so that a greater force is applied to the top of said member by water pressure applied thereto than the force applied to the bottom end of said tube via said water supply pipe.
 5. A device as defined in claim 4 further comprising valve means connected between said pipe means and said water supply pipe for selectively applying water pressure to the top of said compartment and for removing said water pressure.
 6. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising coupling means for coupling the bottom of said housing to said water supply pipe, said coupling means having a narrow paSsage therein, said communicating means having another passage larger in diameter than the passage in said coupling, so that a greater force is applied to the top of said member by water pressure applied thereto than the force applied to the bottom end of the tube via said water supply pipe.
 7. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising coupling means for coupling the bottom of said housing to said water supply pipe, said coupling means having an axial bore; extension means at the bottom end of said tube extending into said bore to define a narrow passage therewith; said communicating means including a pipe means having another passage larger in cross-sectional area than that of said narrow passage, so that a greater force is applied to the top of said member by water pressure applied thereto than the force applied to said bottom end of said tube via said water supply pipe.
 8. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a second annular member, said second annular member slidably engaging said tube and secured at its outer diameter to said cylindrical section of said housing thereby defining a compartment section with said first named member, said tube and said cylindrical section; and an air conduit means connected to said housing and opening into said compartment section for relieving air pressure therein, to prevent water hammer and slamming of said sprinkler head when it is raised and lowered.
 9. A device as defined in claim 8 further comprising a valve on said air conduit means for adjusting the rate of airflow therein and thereby control the speed of raising and lowering of said sprinkler head.
 10. A device as defined in claim 9, further comprising coupling means for coupling the bottom of said housing to said water supply pipe, said coupling means having an axial bore; extension means at the bottom end of said tube extending into said bore to define a narrow passage therewith; said communicating means including a pipe means having another passage larger in cross-sectional area than that of said narrow passage, so that a greater force is applied to the top of said member by water pressure applied thereto than the force applied to said bottom end of said tube via said water supply pipe. 